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Thursday, August 5, 2010

Bookanistas -- THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger

So this week on the Bookanistas, I'm dishing on The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger. First, let me just say that I'm hugely cynical, just like the MC, Bianca. I fell in love with her immediately.

Plus, dude, I was the Duff in high school for sure. In fact, I think I might still be the Duff... Ahem, anyway.

The DUFF follows cynical Bianca as she goes from hating playboy Wesley to actually caring about him. It's gritty and real, and one of the best YA books I've read all year. And I've read a lot, trust me.

Summary: Characters -- A+
I loved Bianca and her two besties. They were real and well-developed. I loved Bianca's dad. And I even enjoyed Wesley, with all his smart-aleckness. He had many layers, each more endearing than the last.

Voice -- A+
You could say that this novel has a strong teen voice because it was written by a teen. I suppose you could say that. But no matter the age of the author, the voice was spot-on. (And by the way, Kody's written a stellar piece on writing an authentic/edgy voice in YA for WriteOnCon--which is next week. So be sure to sign up and see what she has to say!)

What else I liked: the emotion. Yeah, all right. I admit it. I cried at one point in the book. And if you can make me cry, even once, even a little sniffle, you've got a winner. I'm a cynic, remember?

The DUFF comes out September 7, so make sure you get your copy. Preorder here.

Lots of people are saying great things about it. Sometimes when books get these sort of reviews I wonder how much of it is the book and how much of it is that people really like Kody. It's on my must read list. I'd be interested to see how it its. I"m not a duff but I'm a butterface.

As a grown man this normally wouldn't be my kind of thing, but you've made it sound excellent Elana (plus I've heard good things about it several other times) so I may have to pick it up for my daughters.

Plus I love good writing even if the setting/premise isn't normally my cup of tea.

I've pre-ordered THE DUFF with my THE MOCKINGJAY order. My 10 yo is a fan of THE HUNGER GAMES triology, and asked who was going to get to read THE MOCKINGJAY first (naturally assuming it would be me). He was shocked when I told him he would. THE DUFF is first on my list. :D

I'm so glad you loved this book Elana! I think the genius of the book is that we've ALL been THE DUFF at one point or another. I love that the underlying message of the book is one of acceptance and empowerment. I can't wait to buy a copy and keep it for my daughter when she's old enough some day. I think it will be a great jumping off point for all kinds important conversations.

Thanks for the review. It sounds good. High school is a tough time for teens, and so many books focus on two (or more) impossibly perfect people. That's not reality. Sometimes, even fantasy needs a good dose of reality.

Sounds interesting, thanks! And for the record, I've never thought of you as a DUFF. Have a great weekend,KarenP.S. Finally tried pretzel M&M's. (I live in a cave, remember?) I might have to buy them again.

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